Expect big changes again to All Blacks

Jimmy Cowan is being tipped to start this weekend. Ross Land / Getty Images

The All Blacks have had their first run of the week in Sun City, South Africa.

Lock Chris Jack missed the session, bed ridden with a virus, which is not affecting anyone else in the squad, at the moment.

Richie McCaw and Luke McAlister have only taken a light part in the session.

Carl Hayman trained fully along with Aaron Mauger and if they make it fully through tonight's session they both should start.

Look out for around another dozen changes for the second test this weekend at the little known rugby venue of Rustenberg with a couple of long time bench warmers in line for a starting call up this weekend.

Halfback Jimmy Cowan is set to start at halfback and it looks as though Byron Kelleher will play off the bench, with Piri Weepu rotated out of the 22.

Cowan says it will be a relief if he can finally make his first start and says if it happens, it will be extra special.

He says it has been frustrating, but they have a couple of quality halfbacks in front of him so he has to keep the pressure on and see what eventuates from there.

Cowan has played in eight tests, all as a replacement.

Andrew Hore could get the nod at hooker as the selectors rotate the team for one last time.

He says if he does get to start it will be a real challenge, lining up for a full game because it is hard enough to breathe on the high veldt.

Hore says Hayman looks good and he thinks he is right for the match.

The other intriguing selection appears to be at fullback, with Doug Howlett now in the running at 15.

Luke McAlister was seen as an option there, but did not train fully this morning.

The team is to be named late tonight, New Zealand time.

The Springboks have been given the day off.

- NEWSTALK ZB